Analyzing Medical Studies

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some of the most difficult topics for me to report on are studies that look at what we call associations with a popular food, drink or activity. These are the kinds of studies which focus on symptoms seemingly unrelated to the food or suspected cause.

For some reason this happens often with coffee -- and the media covers it because lots of people drink coffee. Some examples: a study from Finland linked heavy coffee drinking with hallucinations. Another report found three to five cups of coffee each day reduced the risk of Alzheimer's.

The problem is you have to analyze the study and scientifically look at the evidence to see if it is real. Medical studies are like chapters in a book.  They all play a role in the overall story.  There is no doubt each chapter is important, but rarely is a finding all-encompassing.  My job and that of the media is to keep it in perspective and to emphasize the important ones that have lots of data behind them.